Nagisa Ōshima

A prominent figure in the Japanese New Wave, Nagisa Ōshima was born in 1932 in Kyoto, Japan. His career spanned the years of 1959 to 1999, during which he directed films primarily in the drama and romance genres, with his most famous works being "In the Realm of the Senses" and "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence," the latter earning him a BAFTA nomination. Ōshima's groundbreaking, provocative style frequently challenged social norms, featuring explicit sexual and political themes that often courted controversy.

Few could deny Ōshima's unflinching commitment to pushing boundaries, a trait that not only defined his cinematic vision, but also made him a unique and daring voice in the world of film.